The UK's most complete GLP-1 guide
Every Question Answered. Every Side Effect Explained.
- How GLP-1 medications work
- Mounjaro vs Wegovy compared
- Injection instructions
- Side effects & solutions
- What to eat on treatment
- FAQs answered
Free tracker included with every download this week
Are Potatoes Good For Weight Loss?
Potatoes often get unfairly blamed in weight loss discussions, but they can actually be part of a healthy weight management UK approach when prepared properly. The key is how you cook them and what you eat alongside them. While food choices matter, many UK adults find that combining dietary changes with prescription weight loss medication — if eligible — offers the most effective results for sustainable weight loss.
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Enter your height and weight below. Supports both imperial (stone & lbs) and metric (kg). Results include NHS category, healthy weight range, and ethnicity adjustments.
What Is BMI and Why Does It Matter?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is the most widely used screening tool for assessing whether your weight falls within a healthy range. Used by the NHS, GPs, and weight management services across the UK, BMI provides a quick snapshot of your weight relative to your height. The formula is simple: your weight in kilograms divided by your height in metres squared (kg/m²).
While BMI isn't a perfect measure — it doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or fat distribution — it remains the standard first step in identifying potential weight-related health risks including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.
The NHS also recommends adjusted thresholds for people of South Asian, Chinese, or Black African heritage — a BMI of 23 or above is classified as overweight, and 27.5 as obese. Our calculator includes this adjustment as a one-click toggle.
Potatoes and Weight Loss — What the Evidence Shows
Potatoes are surprisingly beneficial for weight management. Research shows they have a high satiety index, meaning they keep you feeling full longer than many other foods — which can help reduce overall calorie intake. A medium boiled potato (around 150g) contains only about 100 calories and is naturally fat-free. The problem isn't the potato itself, but how it's prepared: fried chips, heavily buttered mash, or crispy roasties add significant calories from fat.
- Boiled or baked potatoes are excellent for weight management — they're low calorie and highly satiating
- Include the skin for extra fibre, which supports digestive health and prolonged fullness
- Avoid fried preparations — chips and roasties can triple the calorie content
- Pair with protein — combine potatoes with lean meat, fish, or legumes for balanced meals that support weight loss UK goals
For adults exploring nhs weight loss options or considering prescription weight loss medication like Mounjaro or Wegovy, dietary improvements work best when combined with medical support if eligible.
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How It Works
Three simple steps to understand your weight and take action.
Enter your height and weight in our free calculator. Get your BMI, NHS category, healthy weight range, and ethnicity-adjusted thresholds instantly.
If your BMI suggests you're overweight or obese, explore our GLP-1 calculators to project potential weight loss on Mounjaro or Wegovy.
Use our progress tracker to log your weight weekly, visualise your journey with charts, and stay motivated — all stored privately in your browser.
Free Weight Loss Tools & Guides
Everything you need to understand your weight, explore medication options, and track your progress — completely free.
Prescription Weight Loss Options in the UK
If you're managing your weight in the UK, prescription options are available alongside dietary changes. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are GLP-1 weight loss injections licensed for eligible adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions. These medications help reduce appetite and support feeling fuller — making dietary choices like choosing boiled potatoes over chips easier to maintain.
- Access through NHS specialist weight management services or private prescribing following clinical assessment
- Individual results vary, but clinical trials showed average weight loss of 15–21% body weight
- Always used alongside dietary changes and increased physical activity
Use our free BMI calculator to check your personal BMI and discuss prescription weight loss options with your GP if you think you may be eligible.
- Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Up to 22.5% body weight loss (SURMOUNT-1)
- Weekly injection, dose escalation over 20+ weeks
- Available via private prescription in the UK
- Doses: 2.5mg → 5mg → 7.5mg → 10mg → 12.5mg → 15mg
- GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Up to 15–17% body weight loss (STEP trials)
- Weekly injection, 5-step dose escalation
- NHS & private prescription available
- Doses: 0.25mg → 0.5mg → 1mg → 1.7mg → 2.4mg
Mounjaro vs Wegovy: Head-to-Head
A side-by-side comparison of the two most popular GLP-1 weight loss medications available in the UK.
| Feature | Mounjaro | Wegovy |
|---|---|---|
| Drug class | Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist | GLP-1 agonist |
| Active ingredient | Tirzepatide | Semaglutide |
| Avg. weight loss | 15–22.5% | 12–17% |
| Key trial | SURMOUNT-1 (2022) | STEP 1 (2021) |
| Max dose | 15 mg weekly | 2.4 mg weekly |
| Escalation period | 20–32 weeks | 16–20 weeks |
| Administration | Weekly injection (pen) | Weekly injection (pen) |
| NHS availability | Private prescription only | NHS & private |
| Approx. private cost | £150–£250/month | £150–£300/month |
| Common side effects | Nausea, diarrhoea, constipation | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea |
Data sourced from SURMOUNT-1 and STEP 1 clinical trials. Costs are approximate and vary by provider. Always consult a prescriber.
Am I Eligible for Weight Loss Medication?
In the UK, eligibility for GLP-1 weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy is based on your BMI and overall health profile.
- BMI of 30 or above (obese)
- Age 18 or over
- No contraindicated conditions
- Committed to lifestyle changes
- BMI of 27 or above
- Plus type 2 diabetes
- Or high blood pressure
- Or obstructive sleep apnoea
Use our BMI calculator to check whether your BMI falls within the eligible range.
How We Built These Tools
Every calculator and guide on myweightcheck is built with accuracy and transparency in mind. Our BMI calculator uses the standard WHO formula with NHS-aligned category thresholds. Our GLP-1 projections are modelled on published clinical trial data from SURMOUNT and STEP studies.
All data stays on your device. We don't require sign-ups, and we don't store your health information on any server. Your progress tracker saves data locally in your browser using localStorage, so only you can see it.
We're based in the UK and our tools are designed specifically for UK users — supporting stone & lbs by default, referencing NHS guidelines, using NICE-approved medication data, and linking to GPhC-registered pharmacies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about BMI, weight loss medications, and our free UK tools.
Are potatoes fattening for weight loss?
No — potatoes themselves are low in calories and filling. A boiled medium potato has around 100 calories. The issue is preparation: frying, buttering, or adding cream dramatically increases calories. Stick to boiled, baked, or steamed potatoes with skins on for best weight loss results.
What's the best way to eat potatoes for weight loss?
Boil or bake potatoes with the skin on and pair them with lean protein (chicken, fish, or beans). Avoid chips, roasties, and buttered mash. Portion control matters too — aim for a fist-sized portion as part of a balanced meal with vegetables and protein.
Can I eat potatoes if I'm taking Mounjaro or Wegovy?
Yes. Prescription weight loss medications work best alongside healthy eating, which includes potatoes. GLP-1 injections help reduce appetite, making it easier to stick to balanced meals with moderate portions of boiled potatoes rather than calorie-dense fried versions.
How do potatoes compare to other carbohydrates for weight management?
Potatoes have a higher satiety index than bread or pasta, meaning they keep you fuller longer. This can reduce overall calorie intake. Combined with protein and vegetables, potatoes are an excellent carbohydrate choice for sustainable weight management UK plans.
Should I count potatoes in my weight loss calories?
Yes, always count calories consumed. A boiled medium potato is roughly 100 calories. If you're using a weight loss calculator or tracking intake while considering prescription weight loss options, include potato calories in your daily total alongside other foods.
Ready to take control of your weight loss journey?
Start with a free BMI check, explore your GLP-1 options, or begin tracking your progress today. No sign-up. No cost. Just results.